Type 646 hydrographic survey ship with NATO reporting name Kanyang (勘洋, meaning Surveying Oceans) classis a type of survey vessel currently in service with the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). Type 646 Kanyang class survey ship is designed by the 4th Directorate of the 708th Institute of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), which is also more commonly known as China Shipbuilding and Oceanic Engineering Design Academy (中国船舶及海洋工程设计研究) nowadays. Construction of both ships begun simultaneously in December 1978 and both were launched in 1982, and both entered service with PLAN South Sea Fleet in 1978. In comparison to earlier shps converted from fishing and cargo vessels, these purposely designed ships carried more equipment and greatly improved efficiency. These ships are named as